Text: Elena Grunitz IN THE LAST TIME WE FREQUENTLY FREQUENTLY AFFECT THE THEME OF THE ROLE OF ARABIC WOMEN IN THE LIFE OF THE STATE. DOES NOT SECRET THAT THE FREQUENCY IMAGE OF LOCAL RESIDENTS IS LIMITED TO BLACK ABAYA, A BIG HOUSE AND SHOPPING IN ACCOMMODATION OF THE SPOUGE. BUT WE REPEAT IT ONCE AGAIN - THIS IS NOT SO! THE BEST CONFIRMATION IS THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, WHERE THE GIRLS ARE SERVING ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS. ABOUT THEM WE PREPARED OUR SPECIAL REPORT.
Establishing contact with the local armed forces is not an easy task. All telephones, names and even the coordinates of institutions are so classified that a simple search on official sites on the Internet can not do. And only thanks to the help of the military attache of the Russian Embassy in Abu Dhabi I finally manage to get in touch with the right people.
After several weeks of waiting, telephone interviews, verifying my identity and agreeing on questions that can be asked to draftees, I finally have an appointment. But not in a specific place, but on the road between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Staying on the side of the highway waiting for my "contact", I feel almost the heroine of a spy novel. After some waiting, I see a white SUV that signals me, making it clear that I should follow it. Half an hour of intricate driving along deserted roads - and here we are approaching a military unit. The SUV quickly passes through the post, but they stop me. The next control, the next check, an explanatory telephone conversation between the post and the "contact".
All the same, they let me into the camp, however, now on foot. A soldier in a field uniform comes out of the SUV, and I finally personally get acquainted with my “contact”. His name is Ali, Captain Ali, and he is a military photographer (later, after talking, I find out that he is the author of the famous photograph of a military pilot from the UAE, Maryam Al Mansouri, who went around the world).
I had the honor of being introduced to the head of the college, Lt. Col. Afra Al Falazi. A short woman, laconic, with a piercing look and a strong shake of the hand. The lieutenant general kindly agreed to say a few words about the college: “In modern society, the leading role of women is becoming more and more widespread. To this end, the Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates have opened their doors for women to enable them to contribute with men to development of the nation.Our college was built in 2013 when the first draft took place.Our Armed Forces have all the necessary means to ensure the highest level of training.It includes physical and basic military training with subsequent distribution to various types of troops, as well as the development of leadership skills and character.In addition, draftees attend lectures on patriotic and religious topics.
The training is carried out exclusively by female instructors in accordance with the traditions and customs of our society. "In the barracks I am met by a young woman of about thirty-five with the appearance of a film actress, only in field uniform. This is Major Latifa - company commander. As it later turned out, Latifa was a military pilot by profession. , as well as a colleague and close friend of the same Maryam Al Mansouri, she was currently sent to train young draftees, and this, she said, is a great honor, although, like a true pilot, she misses the sky and her F16.
"The current call is much different from the first. The girls who made this choice are more goal-oriented and more confident in what they are doing. At present, 183 draftees from various sectors of society are training, but they all share one goal - to serve their country "
I look forward to meeting the draftees themselves. It’s hard for me to imagine that someone, especially girls and especially Arab ones, can voluntarily go to serve in the armed forces, albeit as reservists.
And here they are right in front of me, marching on the parade ground near the barracks, smartly echoing with their commander's speech. I watch them, hiding from the scorching sun in the shade of the room, and try to imagine what it is like with all the equipment in the summer in the desert at 50 degrees heat to march 10 km. “No problem,” Major Latifa answers my question about the compatibility of extreme weather conditions with physical activity. “Girls train, get used to it. Some of them who had problems with overweight lost about 20 kg!”
We return to the cool barracks, where I finally get the opportunity to talk with the draftees themselves.
As it turned out, all my interlocutors led a successful professional life before serving in the army. Among them, an employee of Emirates Airline, an oil company manager, an assistant professor at the university, an employee of the food product quality control department, an employee of the museum, and a member of the national volleyball team. All young people are from 18 to 28 years old. Everyone has impeccable English. At first a little timid, but with each proposal more and more self-confident, they answer my questions with pleasure, at the end of almost interrupting each other.
Why did you choose military service, changing your comfortable and settled life for nine months of a tough army regime away from home?
Naema Ali Yusuf: First of all, this desire to thank our country for what it gave us. We are fortunate that we were born in the UAE. We have everything - housing, free medical care and top-level education, the ability to work and earn good money. We are proud of our state and its rulers and are ready to defend them with weapons in their hands.
Therefore we are here. Of course, this is also a challenge to ourselves, both physically and morally. Here we finally saw real life. Military service is a desire to prove to others that we all can and that even military service is up to us!
What was the most difficult for you at first?
Aisha Atik : Learn punctuality! And also unconditionally follow orders and abide by the rules. In addition, we had to learn to be equal. We are all from different walks of life, but there is no social gradation and cannot be. We are all sisters here (and indeed, during the interview, the girls call each other “sisters.” - Note. Auth.). To work together, as a team, is perhaps the biggest difficulty that we had to face in the beginning. And, of course, a lot of physical activity. But this is a matter of adaptation.
Is there anything women can do better in the army than men?
Sarah Essa and Maya Al Casey (in unison): Everything! Women are the best soldiers! They are patient, hardy, prudent and multifunctional. Giving everything away, they never demand anything in return.
What is the reaction of your relatives and friends to the fact that you voluntarily serve in the army?
Naema Ali Yusuf : One word is pride! When our relatives see us in military uniforms, sometimes even tears come to their eyes - tears of joy and pride for us. Without their support, it would be difficult, especially for us, young girls who are accustomed, due to traditions, to a cozy home.
Gadah Al Mushridi : Although it’s a sin to hide, it happens that we’re gloomy here ... For this, every morning our commander makes a motivating speech, and we ourselves support each other as much as we can, we are sisters!
What advice would you give to your compatriots who have not yet decided on this step - to voluntarily serve in the Armed Forces?
Aisha Atik : Follow our example. This is an invaluable experience, a journey inside yourself and the disclosure of your own capabilities, the existence of which you previously may not have guessed.
Nara Falaknaz : Read and learn more about the army, train, believe in yourself. And most importantly, consciously become part of your state. Then you will know this indescribable feeling of joy and pride in your country!
Looking at these girls, listening to their reasoning and feeling their genuine enthusiasm, I understand that these are not empty, memorized phrases. They really sincerely love their homeland and are grateful to their rulers for all the privileges received at birth. They are really eager to thank their country and are ready to give their lives for it. I am moved, and not only me. Ali, my “contact,” has eyes that shine and a slightly trembling voice: “I'm so proud of these girls!”
